The previous couple of times that Drew, Matthew and I got together, we did a lot of mechanical work - wiring up the CNC motors, sanding the wooden panels of the antique desk, etc.  This week it was time to do some brain work, too.

Since we couldn't proceed any further on the desk until we had a computer to put into it, it was time to decide what kind of computer to buy.  We did some calculations as to what size LCD monitor would fit in the desk, what prices the different monitors and computers cost, and the pros and cons of buying a used one from Craigslist versus a new one from Microcenter.  This required a bit of geometry, a bit of price/performance comparison (especially since we couldn't find an exact match between the computers we saw for sale on Craigslist and new computers to compare their prices too), and a bit of writing to put the whole analysis into a proposal for our investors. 

Our investors, we are lucky to say, are Drew and Matthew's parents.  Their dad, David, came by to pick them up at 4pm on Sunday, and Matthew handed him a blue folder with our 3-page proposal within.  Dave asked if there was going to be a presentation as well, but they demeured.  I do believe they agreed to field specific questions, however.

Fortunately, Matthew and Drew did a good job writing the proposal, because on Monday, our investors let us know that they agreed to fund our computer purchase!  I went ahead and bought the computer we were eyeing on Craigslist, and dismantled it that night to make sure it would fit.

Looking forward to stripping and repainting the metal frame of the desk, ripping apart the computer parts, jamming them inside, and covering everything with nicely finished wood.  Should be fun. :-)